Student government is essential to the student body of any institution. What makes SGA successful and productive is the team that works behind it to make their voice heard. Desiree Rangel, Plant City SGA President, shares her passion with the HCC community about her work about her role.

Rangel joined the SGA in 2015 as a freshman. She has held three positions during these past three years: senator, secretary and president. As her role increased, her responsibilities began to pile up.

“The executive board and Iwork together to plan events, trips and other activities at the school,” explains Rangel, “but most importantly I am here to advocate for the students at HCC but specifically PC campus.”

Rangel is also in charge of running the weekly SGA meetings.

For Rangel, it has not been a breeze with her position.

“I believe the most challenging thing that has been overcoming my awkward shy side,” says Rangel.

With the duties as the head for SGA, the president is expected to speak to students, faculty and businesses when it comes to planning. Like most Americans, Rangel has had a fear of public speaking.

“I used to be so shy and nervous to even speak in front of people, and now I can speak comfortably in front of people. It makes me feel more confident and shows me how strong of a leader I can be when I apply myself,” explains Rangel.

Another challenge Rangel struggled with was time management.

“As a college student that was working two jobs most of the time, time management can be hard to maintain,” reflects Rangel. “I overcame this by organizing my life more and I had to adjust things to make time for the things that were important in my life.”

Other than helping herself, Rangel has been able to uplift others.

“Since I know how it feels to be afraid to participate sometimes, it makes it a little easier to talk to those shy people at school and try to get them more involved in college life and the pc community,” says Rangel.

Because she has been there for three years, she has had the chance to see people change over the course of time.

“The most memorable thing that has happened to me as president would have to be watching senators grow and become better leaders,” reflects Rangel.

Working with Student Government can be time consuming. For Rangel, it was worth the hard work spent in order to make a difference on the small campus of the Plant City college life. She encourages others to put themselves out there and try something new, whether it is with SGA or involvement with a club.